Vishwa

My name is Vishwanath Davangere Mallabadi. I was born in Chitradurga, Karnataka, India on 22 October 1962. I grew up in an atmosphere where art was respected and encouraged and still is. I thus inherited a priceless legacy. My father, Late D. M. Shambhu was a famous sculptor and painter who dedicated his life to restoring and maintaining valued artifacts under the aegis of the Government of India. In fact, my father's uncanny eye for detail and finesse has had a profound impact on me throughout my professional career. 

My Father and Mother have been my prime motivators. I married my lifelong companion, Dr. Nirmala, and have a resourceful daughter. My father wanted me to be a Doctor, but I was not medically waste inclined. However, the traits of a Medical Practitioner were imbibed by me during the time when I assisted my Father in his endeavors in various artistic forms and mediums.

I decided to pursue my professional career in Art & Design. My self-validation skills with constant encouragement from my Father developed my creative talent. By age 18, I had developed obvious skills as an artist and reinforced my skills by completing my professional degree in B.F.A. in Applied Art. I studied at the College of Art (1983-1987) in New Delhi, India.

At the age of 23, I used to explore second-hand trash objects and try to convert them into worthy objects. I started exploring new art forms within e-waste. Fortunately, I was part of HAM radio, wherein I developed my technical skills and learned the fundamentals of technology, electronics, and fabrication. Subsequently, it inspired me to know more about electronic product design. My philosophy and rationale for creating something extraordinary are by doing a fusion between creativity and technology. I always enforced my acquired technical knowledge and blend it with my artistic skills.

I thus blended Creativity with Modernity and forms. I always wanted to challenge myself by doing something unique. Thoroughly inspired, I started exploring my passion by creating new art forms. I chose e-waste as a medium to express my ideas.

I am passionate and dedicated to the work I do and I thoroughly enjoy it. The effort involves a lot of patience, love, and determination. For me, no waste is waste, I see interesting forms in e-waste. I upcycle them and try to give a second life to inanimate objects. I scrutinize e-waste and restore potential components, finally transforming the e-waste into unimaginable amazing masterpieces.

The creation process seeks serendipity and aesthetics. I try to bring in the creative vision to discarded e-waste and add higher environmental value than it had in its original state.

Upcycling is a key concept to add value to junk e-waste. I have created many unconventional and iconic designs out of e-waste. I try to interconnect distinctive e-waste pieces into a coherent composition, improvise with different forms and keep working until I am satisfied with the results. I enjoy discovering what I am creating while I am doing it and I have an irresistible urge. I practice keeping an open mind to the subconscious and like to be surprised by the outcome of my work. I get inspired and fascinated by the inner forms of electronic equipment, its intricate unnoticed textures and vibrant colors, and its intrinsic characters.

For me, e-waste has a life of its own, and at times, it provokes me to reincarnate. I am consistently aiming for new and unusual compositions, with visually arresting expressions. My remarkable eco artworks do offer inspiration to young artists.

My talent has been recognized by India Talent Magazine and exhibited my works at the International Conference for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and got a lot of recognition from News and Television Media.

I am keenly interested in conducting workshops and lecturing at conferences and seminars to promote e-waste awareness. My intention is to bring an emotional connect between people and e-waste. Eventually, I am anticipating large eco-art installation works.

Currently, I am working on a collage portrait of Shri Narendra Modi India’s Prime Minister. My future plans are to create contemporary abstract art series on “An Indian Icon”. I strongly believe that art from e-waste could be an alternative method for recycling and preventing landfills. However, this unique spin on upcycling e-waste doesn’t just give birth to stimulating art, it also generates revenue from the sale of usable products. My never-ending investigation of e-waste and creating beautiful, spectacular art will last forever.

Being a designer and environmentalist, I am concerned about the future generation and trying to do my bit for the betterment of the coming generation. I encourage everyone to leverage their hidden potential and be creative. A unique eco-warrior in true Gandhian spirit.